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Iowa Caucus History: Jimmy Carter Connects with Iowans in 1976

In early 1975, Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter began campaigning in Iowa. He spent a great deal of time visiting with people in small towns and at local events. Although he came in second in the 1976 Iowa caucuses to those who had voted “uncommitted”, the media picked up on the fact that he did better than expected, and Carter used this momentum to eventually win the nomination. His strategy would be used and adapted by both parties in future campaigns. This segment from Iowa Public Television’s Caucus Iowa: Journey to the Presidency documentary includes archival footage and contemporary interviews with politicians, campaign staff and journalists of the era.

After completing this lesson, students will understand the process by which candidates for U.S. president are nominated by the Democratic and Republican parties. They will identify and understand differences between primaries and caucuses and key terms and issues related to the primary season.

This extensive curriculum was created by Iowa teachers. Each lesson plan includes three different options to accommodate the amount of instruction time teachers have to present the material and for their students to complete the activities.

While using this curriculum, students will:

explain how Iowa became the first in the nation for the caucuses/primaries. Students will debate/defend why or why not Iowa should maintain its “first in the nation” status.

explain the role of political parties in selecting candidates for office, engaging voters, and organizing their respective caucus.

explain the role of the media in reporting on elections.

explain the role of interest groups in the electoral process.

describe the similarities and differences between Democrat and Republican caucuses in order to prepare for the mock caucus, and they will be able to articulate the strengths and weaknesses of caucuses and primaries.

describe how the caucus process works to choose the presidential nominee for both the Republican and Democratic Party.

determine the effects of the Iowa caucuses historically and currently.

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